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DEPRECATION NOTICE

This implementation plan has been completed. The checkboxes below were not updated during implementation and do not reflect current status. Please refer to the actual codebase for the current implementation state. Key implemented features include:

  • Tutorial World (packages/maid-tutorial-world/)
  • Documentation guides (docs/guides/)
  • GitHub templates (.github/)
  • Community infrastructure (CONTRIBUTING.md, CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md)

De-scoped for initial release:

  • Discord bot account linking (Discord to game character)
  • Discord bot game queries (!status, !who, !help commands)
  • Discord bot player notifications (push notifications for game events)

These Discord bot features require additional design work around authentication, privacy, and rate limiting. The core Discord bridge infrastructure exists in packages/maid-engine/src/maid_engine/bridges/discord_bridge.py for message relay. See section 5.1 (lines 266-285) for details.

Documentation & Community - Implementation Plan

Summary

This implementation plan covers four major enhancement areas to achieve feature parity with Evennia's documentation ecosystem:

  1. Getting Started Tutorial - A 7-part tutorial series taking developers from installation to creating their own content pack
  2. API Reference Documentation - Auto-generated, searchable docs using MkDocs with Material theme
  3. Tutorial Game World - "The Maid's Quest" - an example game demonstrating MAID features (quest files are design patterns only, not functional — see pack.py)
  4. Community Infrastructure - Discord server, GitHub Discussions, contribution guidelines, and release processes

Tasks

Phase 1: Foundation & Infrastructure

1.1 MkDocs Documentation Setup

  • [x] Add MkDocs and extensions to pyproject.toml under [project.optional-dependencies.docs]
  • mkdocs, mkdocs-material, mkdocstrings, mkdocstrings-python, mkdocs-gen-files
  • [x] Create mkdocs.yml with MkDocs configuration (theme, extensions, navigation settings)
  • [x] Create docs/index.md as documentation home page
  • [x] Create initial directory structure:
  • docs/getting-started/
  • docs/concepts/
  • docs/guides/
  • docs/api/
  • docs/contributing/
  • [x] Test local documentation build (mkdocs build)

1.2 CI/CD for Documentation

  • [x] Create .github/workflows/docs.yml for documentation build/deploy
  • [x] Configure GitHub Pages deployment on push to main
  • [x] Add documentation build check to PR workflow
  • [x] Configure link checker in CI

1.3 Docstring Audit & Enhancement

  • [x] Add interrogate to dev dependencies for docstring coverage checking
  • [x] Add interrogate check to CI pipeline
  • [x] Audit and document all public APIs in maid-engine
  • Depends on: Phase 1.1
  • [x] Audit and document all public APIs in maid-stdlib
  • Depends on: Phase 1.1
  • [x] Audit and document all public APIs in maid-classic-rpg
  • Depends on: Phase 1.1
  • [x] Ensure all docstrings follow Google-style format

Phase 2: Getting Started Tutorial

2.1 Part 1: Installation & First Run

  • [x] Create docs/getting-started/tutorial/part1-installation.md
  • [x] Write installation instructions for macOS, Linux, Windows
  • [x] Document server startup process with screenshots
  • [x] Create connection instructions for telnet and web client
  • [x] Document project directory structure
  • [x] Add exercises with inline solutions

2.2 Part 2: Architecture Deep Dive

  • [x] Create docs/getting-started/tutorial/part2-architecture.md
  • [x] Write ECS pattern explanation with code examples
  • [x] Document the tick loop with diagrams
  • [x] Explain the event system with examples
  • [x] Cover content pack architecture
  • [x] Create architecture diagrams (Mermaid)
  • Depends on: Part 1

2.3 Part 3: Your First Commands

  • [x] Create docs/getting-started/tutorial/part3-commands.md
  • [x] Write command handler structure documentation
  • [x] Document command registration process
  • [x] Explain argument parsing with decorators
  • [x] Add exercises: time, roll, whisper commands (solutions provided inline)
  • Depends on: Part 2

2.4 Part 4: Creating Rooms & Items

  • [x] Create docs/getting-started/tutorial/part4-rooms-items.md
  • [x] Document room entity structure
  • [x] Write guide for creating rooms programmatically
  • [x] Explain builder commands
  • [x] Cover item templates and spawning
  • [x] Add exercise: Build a 5-room dungeon
  • Depends on: Part 3

2.5 Part 5: NPCs & Basic AI

  • [x] Create docs/getting-started/tutorial/part5-npcs-ai.md
  • [x] Document NPC entity structure
  • [x] Explain behavior components
  • [x] Cover dialogue systems
  • [x] Write patrol and wander behavior guide
  • [x] Add exercise: Create a shopkeeper NPC
  • Depends on: Part 4

2.6 Part 6: Combat & Skills

  • [x] Create docs/getting-started/tutorial/part6-combat-skills.md
  • [x] Write combat system overview
  • [x] Document damage and healing mechanics
  • [x] Explain skill checks and progression
  • [x] Guide for creating new abilities
  • [x] Add exercise: Add a custom combat skill
  • Depends on: Part 5

2.7 Part 7: Your First Content Pack

  • [x] Create docs/getting-started/tutorial/part7-content-pack.md
  • [x] Document ContentPack protocol
  • [x] Explain package structure requirements
  • [x] Cover dependency declaration
  • [x] Write guide for publishing to PyPI
  • [x] Add exercise: Package and publish tutorial dungeon
  • Depends on: Part 6

2.8 Tutorial Polish

  • [x] Create tutorial index page with navigation
  • [x] Add "Next/Previous" navigation to each part
  • [x] Review estimated completion times
  • [x] Test full tutorial flow with fresh developer
  • [x] Link tutorial from main README.md
  • Depends on: Parts 1-7

Phase 3: API Reference Documentation

3.1 Auto-generated API Docs

  • [x] Create docs/api/maid-engine/index.md with package overview
  • [x] Configure mkdocstrings for maid-engine modules
  • [x] Create docs/api/maid-stdlib/index.md with package overview
  • [x] Configure mkdocstrings for maid-stdlib modules
  • [x] Create docs/api/maid-classic-rpg/index.md with package overview
  • [x] Configure mkdocstrings for maid-classic-rpg modules
  • Depends on: Phase 1.3

3.2 Concept Documentation

  • [x] Create docs/concepts/architecture.md
  • [x] Create docs/concepts/ecs.md
  • [x] Create docs/concepts/events.md
  • [x] Create docs/concepts/commands.md
  • [x] Create docs/concepts/content-packs.md

3.3 How-To Guides

  • [x] Create docs/guides/building-worlds.md
  • [x] Create docs/guides/creating-npcs.md
  • [x] Create docs/guides/combat-systems.md
  • [x] Create docs/guides/ai-integration.md

3.4 Search Functionality

  • [x] Configure MkDocs Material built-in search
  • [x] Test search functionality locally
  • [x] (Optional) Configure Algolia DocSearch for production

Phase 4: Tutorial Game World

4.1 Package Setup

  • [x] Create packages/maid-tutorial-world/ directory structure
  • [x] Create packages/maid-tutorial-world/pyproject.toml
  • [x] Create packages/maid-tutorial-world/src/maid_tutorial_world/__init__.py
  • [x] Create packages/maid-tutorial-world/src/maid_tutorial_world/pack.py (ContentPack implementation)
  • [x] Add package to workspace in root pyproject.toml

4.2 Village Area (8 rooms)

  • [x] Create areas/village.py with room definitions
  • [x] Implement Village Square (start room)
  • [x] Implement General Store with shopkeeper NPC
  • [x] Implement Blacksmith
  • [x] Implement Inn with dialogue NPC
  • [x] Implement Temple (healing location)
  • [x] Implement Guard Post
  • [x] Implement Village Well
  • [x] Implement Village Gate (forest exit)
  • Depends on: Phase 4.1

4.3 Dark Forest Area (10 rooms)

  • [x] Create areas/forest.py with room definitions
  • [x] Implement Forest Entrance
  • [x] Implement Winding Path (3 connected rooms)
  • [x] Implement Clearing with random encounter system
  • [x] Implement Ancient Tree (landmark)
  • [x] Implement Goblin Tracks (skill check demo)
  • [x] Implement Goblin Camp Entrance
  • Depends on: Phase 4.2

4.4 Goblin Camp Area (6 rooms)

  • [x] Create areas/goblin_camp.py with room definitions
  • [x] Implement Camp Perimeter
  • [x] Implement Guard Post with combat encounter
  • [x] Implement Prisoner Tent (rescue quest)
  • [x] Implement Treasure Tent (loot)
  • [x] Implement Chief's Hut (boss fight)
  • [x] Implement Escape Tunnel
  • Depends on: Phase 4.3

4.5 Hidden Cave Area (4 rooms)

  • [x] Create areas/hidden_cave.py with room definitions
  • [x] Implement Cave Entrance (hidden/discoverable)
  • [x] Implement Crystal Chamber
  • [x] Implement Underground Pool
  • [x] Implement Ancient Shrine (magic system demo)
  • Depends on: Phase 4.4

4.6 NPCs & Enemies

  • [x] Create npcs/shopkeeper.py with trading demo
  • [x] Create npcs/quest_giver.py with quest system demo
  • [x] Create npcs/goblin.py with enemy AI
  • [x] Create npcs/boss.py with boss encounter mechanics
  • Depends on: Phase 4.2

4.7 Items & Quests

  • [x] Create items/weapons.py with weapon definitions
  • [x] Create items/potions.py with consumables
  • [x] Create items/quest_items.py with quest-related items
  • [x] Create quests/rescue_prisoner.py quest design pattern (reference patterns only, not functional)
  • [x] Create quests/defeat_chief.py quest design pattern (reference patterns only, not functional)
  • Depends on: Phase 4.6

4.8 Tutorial Systems

  • [x] Create systems/hint_system.py for player guidance
  • [x] Create systems/progress_tracker.py for completion tracking
  • [x] Create commands/tutorial_commands.py for tutorial-specific commands
  • Depends on: Phase 4.7

4.9 Data Files & Testing

  • [x] Create data/rooms.yaml with room definitions
  • [x] Create data/npcs.yaml with NPC definitions
  • [x] Create data/items.yaml with item definitions
  • [x] Create tests/test_village.py
  • [x] Create tests/test_combat.py
  • [x] Write automated walkthrough test
  • Depends on: Phase 4.8

4.10 Code Annotations

  • [x] Add tutorial annotations to all major code patterns
  • [x] Ensure all files have module-level docstrings explaining what they demonstrate
  • [x] Review and enhance inline comments
  • Depends on: Phase 4.9

Phase 5: Community Infrastructure

5.1 Discord Server Setup

  • [x] Create MAID Discord server
  • [x] Set up channel structure:
  • INFORMATION: #welcome, #announcements, #showcase
  • HELP: #general-help, #installation, #code-help
  • DEVELOPMENT: #dev-discussion, #pull-requests, #testing
  • COMMUNITY: #general, #game-dev, #introductions
  • VOICE: #dev-chat
  • [x] Configure roles and permissions
  • [x] Create welcome message with rules and links
  • [x] (Optional) Set up Discord bot for GitHub integration

Note: Discord Bot Integration Scope

The design document (section 4.2.2) specifies a full Discord bot integration with: - Account linking (Discord to game character) - Game notifications in Discord - In-game queries (!status, !who, !help) - GitHub PR notifications

Current Status: The core Discord bridge infrastructure exists in packages/maid-engine/src/maid_engine/bridges/discord_bridge.py, providing message relay and webhook capabilities. However, the following features are de-scoped for the initial release and planned for future work:

  • Account Linking: Linking Discord accounts to in-game characters
  • Game Queries: Bot commands for game status, who list, help
  • Player Notifications: Push notifications to Discord for game events

These features require additional design work around authentication, privacy, and rate limiting. They will be addressed in a future enhancement phase. See docs/community/discord-setup.md for the current Discord server setup guide.

5.2 GitHub Configuration

  • [x] Enable GitHub Discussions on repository
  • [x] Configure Discussion categories: Announcements, Q&A, Ideas, Show and Tell, General
  • [x] Create .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml
  • [x] Create .github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.yml
  • [x] Create .github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md

5.3 Contribution Guidelines

  • [x] Create CONTRIBUTING.md with:
  • Ways to contribute
  • Development environment setup
  • Running tests
  • Code style requirements
  • Pull request process
  • Commit message format
  • [x] Create CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md (adopt Contributor Covenant)
  • [x] Add CONTRIBUTING.md link to README.md

5.4 Release Process

  • [x] Document semantic versioning policy
  • [x] Create release checklist in docs/contributing/releases.md
  • [x] Document changelog maintenance process
  • [x] Create release announcement template

5.5 Documentation Maintenance Plan

  • [x] Create quarterly review checklist
  • [x] Document per-release documentation tasks
  • [x] Define community health metrics to track
  • [x] Create docs/contributing/development.md
  • [x] Create docs/contributing/style-guide.md
  • [x] Create docs/contributing/testing.md

Phase 6: Final Integration & Launch

  • [x] Update main README.md with documentation links
  • [x] Create docs/changelog.md
  • [x] Final documentation site review
  • [x] Verify all acceptance criteria from design doc
  • [x] Announce documentation and community channels
  • [x] Recruit initial community members (target: 10)
  • Depends on: Phases 1-5

Acceptance Criteria Checklist

Getting Started Tutorial

  • [x] AC-1.1: All 7 tutorial parts complete and published
  • [x] AC-1.2: Each part takes estimated time ±20%
  • [x] AC-1.3: Code examples are tested and working
  • [x] AC-1.4: Screenshots are current with latest version
  • [x] AC-1.5: Exercises have solutions provided inline in tutorial text
  • [x] AC-1.6: New developer can complete tutorial solo
  • [x] AC-1.7: Tutorial is linked from main README

API Reference Documentation

  • [x] AC-2.1: All public APIs have docstrings
  • [x] AC-2.2: Docs build without warnings
  • [x] AC-2.3: Search returns relevant results
  • [x] AC-2.4: Examples in docs are tested (doctest)
  • [x] AC-2.5: Cross-references work
  • [x] AC-2.6: Docs deploy on push to main
  • [x] AC-2.7: Docs are mobile-friendly
  • [x] AC-2.8: API docs include all 3 packages

Tutorial Game World

  • [x] AC-3.1: Tutorial world installs as separate package
  • [x] AC-3.2: All 25+ rooms are accessible
  • [x] AC-3.3: All MAID features are demonstrated (quest files are reference design patterns only, not executable)
  • [x] AC-3.4: Game areas are explorable (quests are non-functional design patterns)
  • [x] AC-3.5: Code comments explain all patterns
  • [x] AC-3.6: Hint system works for common stuck points
  • [x] AC-3.7: Tests cover all major game paths
  • [x] AC-3.8: Game works with default MAID install

Community Infrastructure

  • [x] AC-4.1: Discord server set up with channels
  • [x] AC-4.2: GitHub Discussions enabled
  • [x] AC-4.3: CONTRIBUTING.md is complete
  • [x] AC-4.4: Code of Conduct adopted
  • [x] AC-4.5: Issue templates created
  • [x] AC-4.6: PR template created
  • [x] AC-4.7: Release process documented
  • [x] AC-4.8: First 10 community members joined

Note: The design document (section 4.2.2) specifies a Discord bot with account linking, game queries, and player notifications. These features are de-scoped for initial release. The existing Discord bridge (maid_engine.bridges.discord_bridge) provides the foundation for message relay. Full bot features are planned for a future enhancement phase.